London has long been one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations but with its fast paced lifestyle and full to the brim capacity, stomach prices have surged. The city was in fact recently named as the 15th most expensive to visit; perhaps not as high as many would expect but still a blow for those who want to experience the electric atmosphere and rich culture without breaking the bank. There are several ways to cut costs however, meaning you can in fact visit London on a reasonable, achievable budget.

Airfare

Flights are undoubtedly one of the most costly aspects of any trip but London comes with many options. With six airports serving the area – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City Airport, Luton and Southampton – and several international airlines operating to and from each, shopping around for cheap tickets is well worth your time.

Accommodation

London has become somewhat notorious for pricey hotels with little space in each room due to such a large demand for accommodation but there are ways to bypass these problems. The internet is a traveller’s best friend when it comes to finding discount hotel rooms, as you can scour the options available, making direct comparisons; consult consumer reviews with regards to value for money; book well in advance to make the most of lower prices and stay up-to-date with all the latest deals. Other tips include staying outside the heart of the city, opting for the surrounding countryside instead and exploring different options such as a B&B or rented accommodation.

Transport

If you are spending the bulk of your time within the city itself, then travelling by foot as much as you feasibly can is by far the cheapest way of getting around; the famous black cabs may have charm but they also come at a price. Rental cars are a good option if you plan to see surrounding areas but may not work so well at the heart of London, as congestion will significantly increase both travel time and costs, meaning in many cases, the Underground will likely be your best option for speed and efficiency. In terms of getting into London you should look to fly Heathrow airport. This airport see huge volumes of people and delays are not uncommon, if the worst should happen and you are delayed by over 3 hours, then you could be entitled to London Heathrow flight delay compensation claim.

Sightseeing

London has many world renowned sights that visitors can’t wait to see but keep in mind that some of them will come with expensive entry charges. To cut costs, why not opt instead for free attractions such as The National Gallery, the Tate Modern, Trafalgar Square, Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens, the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace or even just soaking up the culture by enjoying the many street markets and performers. In a city packed equally full of unique architecture and old-fashioned charm as it is modern culture and cutting-edge design, there is something to uncover around every corner and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to enjoy it.